Arkansas Business Name Search

ByMatija Kolaric

Starting a business in Arkansas and want to know how you can ensure your business name is truly unique? Our Arkansas business name search can help you to make sure that nobody else in your region is using your name by offering tips on searching names in your state!

An Arkansas business name search is the best way you can determine which business name to use. To find out more about naming a business in Arkansas, keep reading this article now!

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When it comes to naming your business, you need to consider how you want your business to be perceived by your clients. As the first communication with the public, it needs to be memorable. If you’re struggling with naming your business, why not check out our array of business name generators for some inspiration.

After choosing your name or a few name options, running it through a search of business names in Arkansas can help to see which names are available to you and to pinpoint any names that may be too similar to yours.

How to Search Available Names in Arkansas

An Arkansas business name search can include a range of different searching choices. To begin with, you could do a quick google search of your chosen business name to find any similar business names in your area. For Arkansas-specific names, you can search the incorporations registered in Arkansas here.

Along with a search of the existing businesses in Arkansas, you should also ensure you check out your domain name choice. We offer a domain name search tool on the results page of our business name generators and can even help you come up with a unique domain name here. Your domain name is an important part of your business in the digital age!

How to Register Your Business Name in Arkansas

To register a business name in Arkansas, you need to file a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State of Arkansas. This application can be done online with the online filing system on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.

There are a few different kinds of businesses under the law in Arkansas and some do not need to register in this way. These include sole proprietorships and partnerships. Make sure you are aware of the kind of business you are operating and whether you need to register before you do.

Policies and Procedures for Registering Your Business Name in Arkansas

In Arkansas, there are a few different business structures to consider. Under the formal business structures umbrella fall both LLCs and corporations. Under the informal business, structures are sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and S corporations.

Each different business structure has different rules for registration (some don’t need it!), as well as rules for the way you’re allowed to name these businesses. If you are registering a new business name that is not your own name, then you need to fill in a DBA (which stands for ‘doing business as,’).

A DBA is filed with the county clerk in Arkansas and the naming rules for this process include:

  • You cannot use words, acronyms, or phrases that would cause people to confuse your business with a government agency
  • You cannot use your business name to imply you are organized for any unlawful purpose
  • You cannot use any restricted words or words that are protected by professional licenses

Arkansas Business Registration Office Details

In Arkansas, you register a business with the secretary of state. Details for the secretary of state of Arkansas office are below.

Websitewww.sos.arkansas.gov/BCS
Phone number(501) 682-3409 and 1-888-233-0325
Email address[email protected]
Opening hoursMon – Fri 8 am – 5 pm

How to Register a Business Name in Arkansas Online Portal

On the website for the Arkansas secretary of state, you will find an online filing portal. This portal has application forms for a huge variety of business structures and the different certifications that they need.

When filing online, remember to have all of the information necessary within reach so that you can input the correct data. You will also need to have a credit or debit card available to be able to pay for the filing process.

If you prefer not to file online, there are other methods of registering for a business name in Arkansas.

How Costly is it to Register a Business Name in Arkansas?

There are a few different costs in Arkansas that you will need to pay when filing your business name. These are as follows:

  • For corporations and LLCs, it is $22.50 for online applications and $25 for mail or in-person filings
  • For all kinds of partnerships it is $13.50 for online applications and $15 for mail or in-person filings

There are other charges involved with registering a business in Arkansas which can include business licensing for which the cost may vary.

Why Do I Need to Register a Business Name in Arkansas?

Registering your business in Arkansas is necessary for most kinds of business structures. You should register your business if it is required so that you can operate under your business name as well as open a bank account for your business.

Registering your business name helps to make your business more respectable and trustworthy as it allows clients to look up your business information.

There is also a range of permits and licenses that you will need to acquire when you open a business in Arkansas. Ensure you file the correct ones to make sure that all of your business dealings are legal in Arkansas.

Support for Registering a Business Name in Arkansas

Registering a business in Arkansas can be a complicated process. If you’re looking for some support, check out our options below.

  • The Arkansas Secretary of State website offers a great guide on everything you need to know about doing business in Arkansas here
  • You could try using a professional DBA service that can help you to ensure you’ve done everything you need to for your business type

Conclusion

Choosing a business name can be a difficult part of starting a new business but knowing that your business name is unique can be a weight off the shoulders. Conducting an Arkansas business name search, using our tips listed here, is a great way to ensure you have a one-of-a-kind business name.

Registering a business in Arkansas differs depending on the kind of business you are registering. To find out more about business names in other states, check out our business name search pages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The first step to claiming your business name is to reserve the name you want. This holds the name for 120 days.

There are three ways to reserve your name.

– You can reserve your business name online via the Arkansas Secretary of State (SOS) SOS Direct Portal. This requires payment of a $22.50 fee.

– Or you can download the Application for Reservation of Entity Name form and send it with the $25 filing fee in the mail or deliver it in person.

Next, you will need to file either an “Articles of Incorporation” form or an “Application for Fictitious Business” name to secure your business name.

Which form you fill out is determined by the type of entity your business will be.

Useful information:

– The SOS website charges a fee of $45 if filing “The Articles of Incorporation” online. Approval usually takes 2 to 3 business days. To file by mail, the fee is $50. Approval can take up to 2 weeks.

– The charge for filing an “Application for Fictitious Business Name” is $22.50 if done online and $25.00 if done on paper (mail or in-person).

– Name registration lasts for one year and can be renewed for an annual fee of $150.

To complete Application for Fictitious Business Name to secure your business name, you will require a street address, not a post office box number.

You will also need to detail the nature and/or objective of the business on either form.

In addition, the “Articles of Incorporation” form will also require a list of shareholders, a list of incorporators, the name and address of the Registered Agent, as well as information for Corporate Franchise Tax.

A Fictitious business name is also known as “Doing Business As”, often abbreviated as DBA. This name might be different than your registered name but it still gives you full legal coverage.

For a Fictitious Name application, you will need to provide:

the type of entity your business will be; for example, an LLC, an LLP, a Limited Partnership, etc.
the nature of the business you will be conducting.
the date that the name was listed as an Arkansas entity.
whether the entity is foreign or domestic.
the address of the registered agent.

The filing fee for “Fictitious Business Name” ranges from $15 to $25 depending on the type of entity your business will be registered as.

Although it is best to use a unique, distinguishable business name, you may be able to use a variant of the name you want.

First, make a few changes to the name.

Next, seek consent from the current entity that resembles yours. It may not be necessary, but it is a sign of good business practice.

You should consult a lawyer in the field of corporate business to see what your rights are with regards to similar business names in Arkansas.

If you’re still unable to find a business name that suits you, try using our business name generator to get unique name ideas (click here to find our business name generator).

Before you begin your business name search at the Arkansas Secretary of State website, visit the United States Patent and Trademark online office with your business name ideas.

Run a trademark search at uspto.gov to ensure there are no trademarks on the name you wish you use.

In Arkansas, there are a number of different expenses that come with registering a business. Depending on the kind of business you’re starting, you may need to file a DBA (doing business as) which can vary in cost from $13.50 - $25. You will also need to apply for a business license and file a Certificate of Organization, both of which incur additional charges too.

Author

Matija Kolaric

Matija Kolaric

Amazing content is the core of what we do. With more than 5 years of experience in branding, name development, and business, Matija helps create and manage content production.

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